American Red Cross: 100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope

The U.S. West isn’t the only place drying up this summer. It is also officially "the dry season" for Red Cross blood and platelet donations.

“[People] get so busy doing other activities and they don’t make donating blood a priority. As you can imagine, the need for blood doesn’t dwindle in the summertime.” said Kimberly Houk, Red Cross External Communications Director.

The Red Cross kicked off its annual campaign 100 Days of Summer, 100 Days of Hope during the Memorial Day weekend earlier this year, to try and increase the number of donations received over the summer.

“We do this campaign every summer to remind people they cannot forget about donating,” said Houk. Summer vacations and travel plans contribute to the limited availability of blood and platelet donors.

The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors to supply the 15,000 blood donations needed every day to support patients nationwide. When donations dry up, the Red Cross runs dangerously low on supplying blood to local hospitals and goes into a "blood appeal." The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness upfront to avoid having send out a mass appeal. The Red Cross asks people to pick one day out of their summer to come in and make a donation.

“By choosing a day to give blood or platelets, volunteer donors can give hope and help maintain a sufficient supply for patients in need,” said Houk.

How to donate blood
The Boise Blood Donation Center is located on 5380 Franklin Rd. Donors must be in good health, be at least 17 years of age (unless parental consent is given) and weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional height and weight requirements apply to those 18 and younger.

Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED-CROSS for more information or to make an appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure all patients are covered.